Gloucester Sheriff's Office's Cookson graduates from FBI academy

Gloucester County Sheriff's Office Chief Dep. Ryan Cookson graduated in June from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

Cookson attended the 253rd session of the academy, joined by law enforcement members from 48 states, 24 countries, three military organizations and five federal civilian organizations, according to information from the sheriff's office.

The 10-week program includes advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected officers with proven records as professionals in their agencies. Training for the program is provided by the academy instructional staff, special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees.

The academy began in July 1935 and has 46,826 graduates. Approximately 29,000 of those are still active in law enforcement.